Stephen started his career with carpentry as an
apprentice in 1975. After advancing to Journeyman his goal to become self employed was realized upon receiving
his State of California General Contracting license. With the prior ten years of construction experience born
from mostly commercial "Class A" type projects; residential building and remodeling became the goal.

Because
of direct interface with architectural design, owners and decorators, Stephen could see a need for specialized
hardware, custom theme lighting and numerous functioning building elements that are not readily available.
Stephen obtained experience from a young age in metal fabrication with the use of welding, brazing and
soldering equipment. He realized that hand forging by use of coal or propane forges would be just the ticket
to open up new creative possibilities.

In 1995 Stephen joined the California Blacksmith Association to
advance his skills. Having a vast mechanical background, fuels his creativity and his ability to directly
solve difficult project designs. Metal smithing has become the perfect fit because it yields to every
practical need and compliments all other mediums in its presence.

Glass and its beauty have always captured Vicki’s attention.
Going back years ago with classes in stained glass, she later discovered the more fluid aspects of glass manipulated
through heat and became intrigued with the fused glass process. Vicki began taking classes in the San Diego area
and participated at the Warm Glass Conference in Portland, Oregon. Excited by what she learned her interest
flourished as she realized the multitude of possibilities.

After experimenting with several aspects of fused
glass her focus turned to lighting and home furnishings. When her employer of 20 years passed away four years
ago, she decided it was time to explore her creative and inventive side.

"My partner, Stephen Erickson and I founded Inspired by Fire to pursue our like goals of creating decorative,
sculpturistic and functional lighting and furnishings."